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Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Association between oxidized LDL and folate during pregnancy
Mie Shiraishi1, Megumi Haruna, Masayo Matsuzaki
1Department of Midwifery and Women's Health, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan. mi-shi@umin.ac.jp
Biological Research for Nursing
|December 17, 2011
Summary
High oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in pregnancy is linked to preeclampsia. This study found lower ox-LDL with higher folate levels and folic acid supplementation, independent of homocysteine.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Elevated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in pregnancy is a known risk factor for preeclampsia.
- The influence of folate and total homocysteine (tHcy) on ox-LDL levels, particularly during pregnancy, requires further investigation.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum folate and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels with plasma ox-LDL levels in pregnant women.
- To determine if folate or tHcy levels correlate with ox-LDL, a marker implicated in preeclampsia development.
- To provide evidence for dietary recommendations in prenatal care.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 137 healthy pregnant women in Tokyo.
- Measurement of plasma ox-LDL, serum folate, and plasma tHcy levels.
- Assessment of lifestyle factors and dietary intake via questionnaires and diet history.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was observed between plasma ox-LDL levels and serum folate levels (r(s) = -.218, p =.011).
- No significant association was found between plasma ox-LDL levels and plasma tHcy levels (r(s) = .055, p = .525).
- Pregnant women regularly taking folic acid supplements had significantly lower adjusted mean ox-LDL levels compared to non-supplement users (p = .024).
Conclusions:
- Serum folate levels and folic acid supplementation appear to be independently associated with lower plasma ox-LDL levels in pregnant women, irrespective of tHcy levels.
- The findings support the role of folate in mitigating ox-LDL, potentially reducing preeclampsia risk.
- These results provide a basis for prenatal care providers to offer dietary guidance on folate intake.
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